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Letter from Outgoing Board co-chairs

The board of IofC Canada is a group from among our network in Canada whose task is to provide direction and oversight for our work. As we gathered on retreat in Neuville, Quebec lastNovember, we spent time getting to know each other better and sharing our desires for the work.

One of the decisions at the retreat was to focus our work in Canada on trustbuilding. This also aligns with the shift of IofC International to focus its work under the umbrella of trustbuilding.

We are excited to be one of three countries – along with Sweden and Kenya – to be participating in a pilot of a new Trustbuilding programme that promises to attract new people and new funding to Initiatives of Change.

This past year has been one of change. After considerable analysis and consultation, we have made the difficult decision to end the contract with Janyce Konkin effective June 30, 2018 and close the Calgary office. We are grateful for the years that Janyce has devoted to IofC work and wish her well in the future.

Staffing our Ottawa office has stabilized, with Mary Ella Keblusek ably taking on that work. Volunteers continue to play a large role, both supporting the work of our staff as well as serving on various committees, including communications where Susan Korah works on newsletters. We are grateful for Leonard Ishimwe, Joy Newman and Alessandro Anifowose, who volunteer as webmasters. In Québec, Lucie Pagé and Marie-Émilie Lacroix provide regular support to Quebec provincial coordinator, Joseph Vumiliya. Elaine Gordon has worked on IofC Canada archives, with transcription assistance from Andrew Drake, providing a legacy record which is much appreciated.

Beyond that, many people take initiative as they follow the prompting of their own inner voice. As individuals we try to live out the values we espouse. In doing so, we have a collective impact.

The needs around us are great, with many living in fear and without hope. But we know that the root causes that build mistrust can be addressed. Coming alongside people can help rebuild trust. Fulfilling our mission requires action. All of us can make the commitment needed for change to take place.

We have appreciated the opportunity to serve as co-chairs of IofC Canada, and look forward with you to a year filled with the promise of a better future.